Why Social Media Might Be The Cause Of Your Unhappiness?

Social Networking In Our Lives

There’s no disputing the fact that man is a social animal; even loners and introverts agree that they need some amount of social interaction. The manner in which we socialize has been transformed however, with most of us spending increased amounts of time socializing online with Facebook friends.

Non-verbal cues play an important role in communication – the experience of a face to face conversation and physical contact can never be replicated on any digital medium, no matter how useful it might be. As we spend more time forging online connections and socializing with Facebook friends, we get increasingly disconnected from real friends that we could be meeting in the real world. While we do share in the joys and sorrows of our friends on Facebook, just how much of an effect do Facebook friends have on our happiness or sadness?

An Expert’s Take On The Link Between Social Media And Depression

Facebook Causes Unhappiness

“Increased Facebook usage causes a decline in not just momentary or everyday happiness, but also in overall life satisfaction.”

It’s official – Facebook may be responsible for your unhappiness! If you spend a lot of time on Facebook, there’s a good chance that you are unhappy with your life in general and often feel depressed. Increased Facebook usage causes a decline in not just momentary or everyday happiness, but also in overall life satisfaction. That’s what researchers from the University of Michigan learned from a study they conducted among young adults.

Facebook Leads To Jealousy And Envy

“Facebook users have greater access to information and behavior of their partners and friends, creating real life conflicts and rivalry as well”

Did you just stumble upon a post that told you your ex is now dating your arch nemesis or that your former classmate is now holidaying in Mykonos, while you’re here struggling to cope with work and are still single? We’ve all been in situations like these and the end result is increased feelings of anger, jealousy, bitterness, and suspicion. Facebook users have greater access to information and behavior of their partners and friends, creating real life conflicts and rivalry as well. Well, all these could be categorically defined as signs of FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out!

But, Facebook Does Spread Happiness

“People who feel lonely because of weak social ties can benefit from the comfort of social networking sites like Facebook”

We still can’t write Facebook off, because it’s really not all bad. Besides, we can no longer live without it! If you’ve recently relocated, switched jobs, or are simply too busy to get out and socialize as often as you’d like, Facebook does offer a good platform to stay connected. As some studies have shown, people who feel lonely because of weak social ties can benefit from the comfort of social networking sites like Facebook. Another study also found that happiness and positive posts or news feeds can actually induce happiness, making people post positive messages themselves. Yes, happiness is contagious and your Facebook friends could help spread it. Of course, this could work the other way too.

Although it is possible that spending too much time on Facebook causes depression, these negative emotions cannot surface unless we turn our backs on real-world friends. So, while you may brag about your 1,000 plus Facebook friends, just remember that your real friends are the ones you meet offline.

Sandip Roy is a Medical Doctor, Positive Psychology Writer, Happiness Researcher. He is a Speaker on Happiness Science, for both corporate and general audience. He is the Founder of Happiness India Project, and Chief Editor of its popular blog, since 2014 where he writes popular-science articles on topics from Positive Psychology and Happiness Science.